'73-'80 Front Clip Swap on '80-'87 Cab

[Richard D]

Tried to do a search but didn't have much luck. I have an '87 but I want '73-'80 fenders, hood, etc. Has anyone posted or taken photos of the whole swap? How about a list of all needed parts? My cab has some rust in the corners of the windshied, would I be better off just replacing the whole cab? Rust-free cabs are hard to come by down here on the Gulf Coast especially 30+ year old cabs. Besides, it's a running, driving truck; I'd rather not dismantle the whole thing, but have it repaired a little at a time, as $$$ allows, and keep it a driver as I go. I am working so much I'll probably have to pay someone to do this, I just don't have the time.

[CNC]

When I did my swap on my my 81 every one told me that I may need to notch the top of my firewall next to the cowl vent for the hood hinges. But I guess the 81 cab is like the later models so i didnt need to make the notch. Other than that Its my understanding its a direct bolt on. Depending on how bad the rust is you may need to replace the cab. Contact some yards out west you may be able to find a good rust free cab cheap. Shoot you might check some of the yards in West Texas. These trucks are pretty common here in Oklahoma so you shouldnt have much trouble at all.

[Richard D]

What about the winshield wipers? I know the setup is different, but is it bolt-on parts, or welding involved?

[ChaseDale3and8]

I have done this swap before. I put 73-80 sheetmetal on back on a 77 that I used to own when I put an 85 cab on it. It's a direct bolt on. The wiper shafts will have to be changed to the earlier (shorter) 73-80 style, and you will need to put the earlier platic cowl screen on. If you really want it to look correct, you'l also want to weld in some sheetmetal where the holes are for the later model hood hinges. ...Joe

[CNC]

If I remember correctly, Its been a few years, I believe the cowls are different but I think the holes are larger for the wipers. I just dont remember which way it went. That was the only noticable difference I saw. But I didnt run into any probs because I had the later model cab. Anyone else have any input on the wipers?

[Richard D]

Thanks Dale. I wonder where I can find the wiper shafts? LMC doesn't list them. I have a new computer and lost all my "Favorite" links with good parts sources.

[ChaseDale3and8]

On my 77/85 swap I just reused my 77 wiper shaft assembly on my 85 cab. Bolted right in, then put my plastic cowl screen on. I didn't have any problems with interchangeability whatsoever. ...Joe

[ChaseDale3and8]

Oh, and you will have to use the 73-80 plastic cowl screen. The 81-87 is different and won't work. As far as finding the parts, check the parts board here. Someone is always parting one of these trucks out. Just a suggestion. ...Joe

[N2TRUX]

What parts you need will depend on what grill you want to run as well. If your going to go with the early style 73-74 grill you will need specific support brackets. Be forewarned that no one make a replacement grill for 73-74 so you will have to find a good used one.

I disagree that you can't find clean cabs in our area, as I see them frequently. What you will have trouble locating is a rust free 73-80 passenger side fender. The battery run off eats the front up, and the a/c drain rusts out the rear.

An alternative is to contact Capt Kaos and have him sell you an aftermarket unit. I bought one from him and they are a quality item.

[Richard D]

I just started a new job off 290 and Huffmeister, am I near you?

[N2TRUX]

Right around the corner. I am off of Skinner road.